A fund day out for a bear-y good cause

Do you find the idea of abseiling down Boston Stump un-bear-able? Or is it something you would like to get your claws into?

Either way, have no fear as a bunch of brave teddys will be taking on the challenge to raise money for the church and other charities.

Boston’s St Botolph’s Church, will be holding its first-ever Boston Bear Challenge, from 1-5pm on Sunday, June 21.

Up to 100 teddy bears will be abseiling down Boston Stump, eight at a time down two sides of the church.

Organiser Sue Waltsham said: “It’s the first one and we’re hoping this will become an annual event.”

The church is now looking for individuals and businesses to sponsor a bear on the day with the proceeds being split between the Boston Stump music/children’s ministry project and a charity nominated by each business.

As well as hoping to get people through the church doors, Mrs Waltsham told The Standard: “The project is about trying to give young people a positive use of their leisure time and engage different young people in the community.”

Entrants can provide their own bear with business names and logos on or the church has bears for sale in the gift shop priced £8.95 and £13.95.

The church is asking for a minimum donation of £50.

Sponsorship forms and a collection box are available from the church.

Mrs Waltsham said: “We are aiming for this to be a town event, pulling in all members of the community, as well as businesses, local school children will also have the opportunity to get sponsorship for their own teddy bears to abseil.”

As well as the abseil, there will also be live entertainment, refreshments, a teddy bears picnic and games, as well as a surprise guest star from Peru who has a tendency to like sandwiches.